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The Palace of Westminster
On an early Wednesday morning around 9am I arrived at St Thomas’ hospital in London for a routine check up. As I was 45 minutes early, I decided to look over the Thames and take some photographs of the scenery around me, which was so much better than waiting around endlessly. So glad I did – I made a few discoveries ! It takes a lot of hard work to construct statues but there’s no need to go searching for them because some are right on our doorstep. This is How To Discovered Statues In Unusual Places:
Since I went out of my way to look at my surroundings, as I walked towards the entrance of the hospital I found a newly erected statue which I hadn’t spotted there before and was impressed to see the striking statue of Mary Seacole almost directly opposite the busy entrance.
Statue of Mary Seacole – How To Discovered Statues In Unusual Places
Plaque in memory of Mary Seacole the Rear view
Plaque in memory of Mary Seacole in the garden of St Thomas’ Hospital
A plaque in memory of Mary Seacole
Who is Mary Seacole?
Mary Seacole was born in Jamaica during the Victorian era in 1805 and she was a pioneering nurse of the Crimean war – a woman who risked her life to save others. She nursed soldiers who were taken ill or wounded and gave them food, blankets, clean clothes and kindness.
The statue in memory of the iconic woman was constructed by sculptor Martin Jennings’ and is situated in the garden of St Thomas’ Hospital in London overlooking the Houses of Parliament. This unique masterpiece was revealed in June 2016 to honour the war nurse. Apparently it’s the only statue of its kind dedicated to a black woman who stood for what she believed in. One unique fact about Mary is that she integrated her knowledge of traditional medicines with European ones.
Statue of King Edward VI
Plaque of King Edward VI
Statues of King Edward VI
“King Edward VI, reformer of St Thomas’ Hospital. The central figure of a stone gateway erected in 1682 by Thomas Cartwright.” His statue sits just outside the hospital.
These guys seem to be offering each other helping hands
Statues of Friends with a golden handshake
I’m not sure who these guys are but they seemed to be offering each other a friendly hand. This sculpture is unusual and eye catching and took me a few minutes to work out the theme. I stopped for a while to gaze at them before arriving at the conclusion that they are friends. They are art objects so creatively designed.
I also enjoy coming across an unexpected statue. Sometimes I get interested enough about one to do a little research and find out more about it. Often, like the one you found of Mary Seacole, no one even remembers anymore who they are.
Thank goodness these statues are a reminder of people who have contributed to the richness of the world.
These statues are impressive. Works of art like these are wonderful to discover. You never know where they exactly are, you can find them in well known places, or out of the path locations. It never bothers to just look for them.
Hi William. This is exactly what I love about statues. They appear in the least expected places with some history to hold on to.
I really love statues. I go out of my way to look at them and read their inscriptions. You can learn so much about the area’s history if you just look at the monuments and statues there.
It takes a lot of patience to read the inscriptions but it’s worth learning about the character.
Hi Bola: Thank you for introducing me to the story of Mary Seacole. I had not heard of her previously. I’m sure she has been an inspiration to many black women in particular, and many more women in general. I, too, love statues and street art. Finding them is often the highlight of an urban adventure for me.
Seeing statues always stop me in my track and give me something to think about.
Finding them is exciting and we end up with more knowledge.
Oh, I love learning about people in history! This looks so interesting and makes me all the more anxious to get out and really explore my new home. No sooner than I got unpacked than winter arrived and since then every day has been frigid cold, rainy or snowing. It’s okay because I love my new home and it’s just beautiful here in the forests of Oregon, but I really haven’t seen much of the area yet so I’m looking forward to doing a lot of exploring when spring finally arrives, and now I’ll be looking for some interesting statues as well!
Enjoy your search for statues. Remember they show up in unusual places.
Spring makes it so much easier to look out for statues in the sun.
My second form class in secondary school (high school to those in the USA), was 2 Mary Seacole!
I learnt much about this pioneer who paved the way for black women.
I lived in London for many years and took for granted the diversity, openness and culture that many other UK cities just do not possess. Parts of London are beautiful and I understand why tourists flock to them.
It so easy to take the cultural diversity in London for granted. But I agree that London has so much openess that can’t be missed.
I see Madame Tussauds is charging 30 quid or so for admission these days – what you’re doing here sounds like a much better deal. 🙂
The last time I visited Madame Tussauds it cost much less to get into the museum. Looking out for statues in London costs next to nothing. Thanks for stopping by.?
Seems you stumbled to amazing statues love the pictures, thank you for sharing dear! 😀
You’re welcome!